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What Can’t You Send to Hong Kong via Australia Post?|Prohibited Items List|Ebaoguo

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⚠️ Quick Summary: Two separate layers of rules apply when shipping from Australia to Hong Kong: (1) Australia Post’s prohibited items list, and (2) Hong Kong Customs import restrictions. Both must be satisfied. Key bans: e-cigarettes/vapes are prohibited by both AusPost AND Hong Kong law (criminal penalties up to HKD 2,000,000 and 7 years jail). Lithium battery devices banned via International Courier only — allowed via Standard/Economy Air.

Jump to: Two Layers of Rules | AusPost Prohibited Items | HK Customs Restrictions | Size & Weight Limits | FAQ


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  • Destination customs duty / VAT / GST (only on DDP self-operated lines marked "included")
NOT included (recipient pays):
  • Import duty + GST/VAT on non-DDP routes — destination customs collects from recipient
  • Insurance (optional, ~5% of declared value; shown at bottom of each card)
  • Customs inspection / return / storage detention fees in exceptional cases
Weight & size limits: Each carrier has different limits — exceeding triggers automatic rate-tier switch (e.g. "above 20kg" rate). Each quote card shows that carrier's max weight, max length, and length+girth limits at the bottom.

prohibited items australia post to hong kong — When sending a parcel from Australia to Hong Kong, two separate sets of rules apply simultaneously — and you must comply with both:

  1. Australia Post rules — what AusPost will and will not accept for carriage. Rules vary by service: International Courier has the most restrictive prohibited items list
  2. Hong Kong Customs rules — what Hong Kong law allows to enter the territory. These apply on arrival regardless of which carrier you use

prohibited items australia post to hong kong — Failing either layer means your parcel will be stopped, returned, or seized. For e-cigarettes and vapes, criminal penalties apply in Hong Kong to both sender and recipient.

AusPost Services to Hong Kong — prohibited items australia post to hong kong #

ServiceTransit TimeProhibited Items Level
International Standard (EMS network)6–10 business daysStandard AusPost list
International Economy Air15+ business daysStandard AusPost list
International Courier (StarTrack/DHL)3–5 business daysExtended list — more items banned

What Australia Post Will NOT Carry to Hong Kong #

Banned on ALL AusPost Services #

🚫 These items are refused at lodgement or seized in transit — regardless of which AusPost service you choose:

  • E-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, and all accessories — including e-liquids, cartridges, heat sticks, and spare pods
  • Herbal cigarettes
  • Live animals
  • Meat and all edible meat by-products
  • Counterfeit goods and trademark-infringing items
  • Lottery tickets and gambling advertising materials
  • Pesticides (household or agricultural)
  • Counterfeit currency or forged banknotes
  • Offensive or pornographic printed materials

Additional Bans via International Courier Only #

These items are banned via International Courier but can be sent via International Standard or Economy Air:

  • All lithium batteries and ALL devices containing lithium batteries — mobile phones, tablets, laptops, power banks, wireless earphones, smartwatches, power tools
  • All food — no exceptions, including packaged, dried, or sealed food
  • All perfumes and fragrances
  • All medications — prescription, over-the-counter, and controlled

Workaround: For phones, laptops, and other lithium battery devices, use International Standard or Economy Air. Hong Kong Customs rules below still apply on arrival.


What Hong Kong Customs Will NOT Allow In #

🚨 E-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products are criminal offences in Hong Kong. Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance and Import & Export (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, importing Alternative Smoking Products (ASPs) can result in fines up to HKD 2,000,000 (~AUD $400,000) and up to 7 years imprisonment. Possession of ASP substances in public spaces is banned from 30 April 2026. Do not send any ASP-related items to Hong Kong.

Outright HK Import Prohibitions (No Licence Available) #

  • E-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, and all accessories and substances
  • Dangerous drugs and narcotics
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and electric stun guns
  • Counterfeit currency
  • Gambling equipment and lottery materials

HK Controlled Imports (Licence or Permit Required) #

  • Meat, poultry, and eggs — Food and Environmental Hygiene Department permit required
  • Pharmaceutical products and medicines — import licence required
  • Pesticides and agricultural chemicals
  • Radioactive materials
  • Endangered species and CITES-listed wildlife products — CITES permit required
  • Rice (reserved commodity)
  • Rough diamonds

Source: Hong Kong Customs — Controlled Imports


AusPost Size and Weight Limits to Hong Kong #

LimitMaximum
Weight per parcel20 kg
Longest side105 cm
Girth ((Width + Height) × 2)140 cm

Volumetric weight applies: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5,000 = volumetric weight (kg). Chargeable weight is the greater of actual or volumetric.


📦 Ebaoguo channels & duty policy (universal rule)
Regardless of origin warehouse (Australia / China / Malaysia / Japan etc.), Ebaoguo offers three channel types:
Channel Examples Duty terms
① Consolidation line (proprietary)Ebaoguo direct air / seaDDP only when article explicitly labels “duty included / DDP”; otherwise DDU
② Postal services (national postal)Australia Post, China Post, Pos Malaysia, Japan Post, SingPost, etc.DDU — recipient pays at destination
③ International expressFedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.DDU — recipient pays at destination

📌 FedEx shipment requirement #

A supplier-issued invoice must be provided before dispatch. Used / second-hand goods are not accepted (documents excepted).

Most Ebaoguo lanes (② and ③) are DDU. Only consolidation lines explicitly labelled “duty included / DDP” have duty bundled. Ebaoguo does not collect or pre-pay duty; postage is per the carrier rate card at lodgement (no flat AUD/kg). Use the Rate Calculator.
⚠️ Customs information for reference only
The customs and tax information on this page is compiled from official government sources and is provided strictly as a shipping reference. At the time of actual clearance:
  • Destination customs authorities may consider the declared value, but are not obliged to use it as the assessable basis;
  • Customs may apply their own product valuation database or reference price to determine duty;
  • The exact duty amount, whether duty is levied, and whether the parcel is inspected are solely at the discretion of destination customs; Ebaoguo cannot guarantee outcomes;
  • This page does not constitute a tax-assessment authority and cannot be used as evidence in any customs dispute;
  • All duties, VAT, consumption tax, and surcharges are paid by the recipient at destination (DDU); Ebaoguo does not collect or pre-pay duty.

Frequently Asked Questions #

Can I send my old phone to family in Hong Kong via AusPost?

Not via International Courier — lithium battery devices are banned on that service. Use International Standard or Economy Air, which do not have this restriction. Declare the item accurately. Hong Kong Customs does not restrict personal electronic devices containing lithium batteries on arrival.

Can I send vapes or e-cigarette pods to Hong Kong?

No. Banned by AusPost on all services, and subject to criminal penalties under Hong Kong law. Importing Alternative Smoking Products into Hong Kong can result in fines up to HKD 2,000,000 and up to 7 years imprisonment. Do not send e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, or any related accessories or substances to Hong Kong.

Can I send food to Hong Kong via AusPost?

Via International Courier: no food of any kind. Via International Standard or Economy Air: some commercially packaged processed food may be accepted, but meat is prohibited outright (AusPost and HK Customs both require permits for meat imports). Check your specific food item before sending.

Are power banks banned when shipping to Hong Kong?

Via International Courier: yes — all lithium battery devices including power banks are banned. Via International Standard or Economy Air: power banks within IATA watt-hour limits (100 Wh per battery for lithium-ion) are permitted. Pack securely and declare accurately.

What happens if my parcel is stopped at Hong Kong Customs?

Prohibited items may be seized without return. For controlled items without permits, the recipient (and potentially the sender) may face investigation. For Alternative Smoking Products, criminal prosecution is possible. Accurate declaration and compliance with both AusPost and Hong Kong Customs rules is essential.

Can I send supplements or vitamins to Hong Kong?

Via International Courier: all medications are banned. Via International Standard or Economy Air: vitamins and supplements not classified as pharmaceutical drugs are generally accepted. Avoid prescription medications without proper documentation — Hong Kong requires import licences for pharmaceutical products.

Can ebaoguo ship items that AusPost won’t accept to Hong Kong?

ebaoguo operates consolidation routes from Australia to Hong Kong via its own freight network, which can handle certain items outside AusPost’s International Courier restrictions — including lithium battery devices — where permitted under dangerous goods compliance. Contact us to discuss your specific shipment. All Hong Kong Customs import laws still apply regardless of carrier.


Need to Ship Items AusPost Won’t Accept to Hong Kong? #

ebaoguo operates consolidation routes from Australia to Hong Kong via its own freight network, which can accommodate certain items outside AusPost’s International Courier restrictions — including lithium battery devices — where permitted under dangerous goods compliance. All Hong Kong Customs import laws still apply regardless of carrier.

Rules change. Always verify with the current AusPost Prohibited Items List and Hong Kong Customs before sending. See ebaoguo’s Terms and Conditions.


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How to Ship — 5 Simple Steps #

  1. Sign up: Register at dashboard.ebaoguo.com and instantly receive your personal warehouse address and member ID.
  2. Use the warehouse address: When shopping online, enter the Ebaoguo warehouse address as your delivery address and include your member ID in the address line.
  3. Parcels arrive at warehouse: We photograph and log every package upon arrival — you’ll see weight, dimensions, and photos in your dashboard.
  4. Submit shipment & pay: From the dashboard, choose destination, fill recipient details, upload invoices if required, confirm the live quote and pay.
  5. Track & receive: Once paid, we dispatch and provide tracking — follow your parcel online until delivery.
️ DisclaimerThis article reflects the Ebaoguo.com editorial team's interpretation of publicly available official information. It does not represent Ebaoguo's official position and does not constitute legal advice. Customs duty rates, thresholds, and prohibited-item lists are subject to the destination country's customs authority; actual inspection outcomes are decided by destination customs and Ebaoguo cannot guarantee outcomes. For important decisions, consult a licensed customs broker or the destination customs authority. See "References" at the end for source citations.

Updated 2026-07 · Source: Ebaoguo Operations

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